Biden says he knows South Carolina visit will spark buzz about a presidential bid

Source: Washington Post

Vice President Biden, in town to speak Friday night at an annual fundraising dinner for the South Carolina Democratic Party, said he knows his appearance will generate buzz about whether he’s getting ready for a presidential run.

After all, South Carolina usually holds one of the first primary contests and is a frequent stop for potential candidates, but he insists that his visit was to assist fellow Democrats running for Congress, including Elizabeth Colbert Busch, the sister of comedian Stephen Colbert, who is in a tough race against former Republican governor Mark Sanford.

“As soon as I show up in South Carolina, the Washington press corps comes out and says, ‘Is Biden getting ready?’ ” the vice president said at the party dinner, insisting that he came at the request of another Democrat, South Carolina Rep. James E. Clyburn. “I’ve got to make clear: I would go anywhere Jim asked me to go.”

At the Democratic confab, more than 1,000 people packed a ballroom for the $125-a-plate dinner, where Biden laid into House Republicans for “fighting like the devil” for a budget plan that he said slashes education, undercuts law enforcement and gets rid of Medicare.

6. I could certainly support Biden. He's better than some names out there.

7. if Hillary runs I just can't see it. What would be his base? He certainly does not offer an

ideological alternative to Hillary. As Vice President he would not be able to position himself to the left of Hillary in order to appeal to the progressive wing. There is no broad constituency that would prefer him to Hillary. He does not have a particular Charisma factor that might ignite a campaign. Now, if for some reason Hillary does not run - he would by default become the frontrunner. But if Hillary does not run there will be more major league contenders entering the race than if she does.